A Review of Recent UK Activities on Laser-driven Neutrons for Industrial Applications

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Laser-driven beams of neutrons have been studied experimentally in the UK since the 1980s within the inertial confinement fusion programme. Only in the last two decades has there been dedicated effort to characterise and optimise the laser-driven concept of neutron source generation with a view to their use in scientific and industrial applications. Here, we present an overview of research in this field carried out in the last 5 years within the UK and highlight key developments in enabling technology required for exploitation of these beams for applications. We also introduce the PLATINUM project ‒ a collaboration with industry aiming to assess the feasibility of using laser-driven, beamed neutrons for isotope inspection in nuclear waste barrels along with in-line imaging capability using laser-driven x-rays. With the recent delivery of high-peak-power laser technology operational at 10 Hz pulse rates, a laser-driven, multi-modal nuclear waste assay beamline installation within the waste management environment can now be envisioned.